Honors Convocation

Breadcrumb

Each spring Hood College holds an Honors Convocation, where students, faculty, and staff are recognized for academic excellence and for outstanding contributions and service to the Hood and Frederick communities.

The Art Department Faculty Award is presented to an outstanding senior art major. The art department faculty has presented this award for more than 20 years.

The Mary Ellen Randoph Prize, named in memory of Associate Professor Emerita Mary Ellen Randolph, is awarded to an art major that demonstrates equal proficiency in and enthusiasm for art history and the studio arts. Professor Randolph retired in 1989 after 29 years of service to the College. She continued to participate in the life of the Hood community until her death in October 2005. Because she taught both studio art and art history, the award recognizes students who have demonstrated talent in both fields.

The Anna Louise Remsen Prize In Art is awarded to that member of the junior or senior class who maintains a high standard of work in fine and applied art. This prize was established in 1948 as a memorial to Anna Louise Remsen, Class of 1933, and was endowed by Anna’s sister, Mrs. Edwin Richardson; her stepmother, Mrs. Elizabeth Remsen; and her friend, Ms. Hildegarde Liebich.

The Art Department Alumnae Award is presented to an outstanding junior or senior art major, recognizing interest in the scholarship of art.

The Suzanne Gottert ’68 Prize In Art was established by Suzanne Gottert ’68 in 2001 and presented each year to an outstanding junior art major who is minoring or concentrating in studio art, specifically two-dimensional art (i.e. printmaking, drawing or painting).

The Elaine Adrienne Gates Memorial Prize In Studio Art was established in 2011 in memory of Elaine Adrienne Gates, associate professor emerita of art, who taught at Hood from 1960 to 1997; she died in 2004. Elaine was an ethereal free spirit, an artist with a renaissance soul and a philosopher/teacher who mentored, nurtured and encouraged her students with just the right mix of dedication and discipline. The prize is awarded to the student who exhibits a similar sense of dedication, determination and intensive exploration in the studio arts resulting in significant growth, development and artistic accomplishment.

The Beta Beta Beta Award is presented to a high-ranking student in biology 100-200 level courses upon the recommendation of the biology department.

The Jane D. McCarrell Prize is awarded to a junior or senior who has shown excellence, interest and progress in the field of biology. This award, endowed by former students, alumnae and friends, honors the late Jane D. McCarrell, professor of biology and chair of Hood’s biology department from 1946 to 1972.

The Sidney Silverman Award, named in honor of the late Associate Professor Emeritus Sidney Silverman, is awarded to an outstanding student majoring in biology. Professor Silverman taught at Hood from 1974 to 1985 and did research at Fort Detrick and NIH. His colleagues in the department established this award in his honor.

The Biology Faculty Award was created in 2001 to honor a student or students demonstrating great promise in biology. The biology department faculty provides this book prize.

The Rouse Graduate Scholarship is awarded annually to an outstanding senior biology major who has displayed excellence in scholarship, citizenship and sincerity of purpose, and who is planning to pursue graduate study in biology, medicine or an allied scientific field. George Parke Rouse Jr., M.D., established this scholarship to honor his wife, the late Elizabeth L. Chandler Rouse, ’36, and his daughter, Anne Rouse McDowell, ’69, Ph.D.

The Dr. Ruth Esther Griffith Biology Award is awarded annually to a junior who has demonstrated excellence in critical thinking and communication skills in the field of biology and who is planning to participate in faculty-mentored research within the biology department.

The Norm Gary Award was established in 2017 to honor the late Norman D. Gary, chair of the Department of Biology, teacher of microbiology and professor emeritus to a generation of Hood College students. This book prize is awarded to a top student based on their performance in their biology elective courses.

The American Institute of Chemists Foundation is presented to a student or students majoring in biochemistry or chemistry for outstanding scholastic achievement and ability.

The Maryland Section of the American Chemical Society presents an award to an outstanding upper-level student in chemistry at each of the participating colleges in the state. The prizes were awarded at a banquet and ceremony held recently in Towson, Maryland.

The Elizabeth B. Bower Prize, honoring the late Elizabeth B. Bower, is awarded annually to an outstanding student in chemistry. The prize was established in 1956 by the late Rebecca Ann Eversole Parker ’55, who was inspired by Professor Bower to make chemistry her career. At the time of her death, Rebecca was studying for her doctorate in chemistry at Oxford University. In 1962, the Eversole family endowed the prize as a memorial to Rebecca.

The Chemistry Achievement Award is presented by the CRC Press, Inc., to the highest-ranking, first-year student in Chemistry 101-102 during the current academic year.

The Department of Chemistry and Physics Faculty Award is presented to an outstanding senior major. The department faculty provides this book prize annually.

The George G. Kleinspehn Honor Scholarship is named in honor of the late Whitaker Professor Emeritus George G. Kleinspehn and is awarded to a student whose record in two semesters of organic chemistry at Hood College is outstanding. Professor Kleinspehn taught at Hood from 1967 to 1993. Prior to coming to Hood, Professor Kleinspehn had research experience on the Manhattan Project in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, at the Johns Hopkins University and at the U.S. Army Ballistics Research Laboratories in Aberdeen, Maryland.

The Elizabeth Leiby Wood Prize is awarded to a member of the rising senior class who is an overall outstanding student and has accomplished superior work in chemistry or biochemistry. The prize was established in 1944 by Scott S. Leiby in honor of his daughter, Elizabeth, ’38.

The Vesta Hoffman Osler '30 Chemistry Award was established in 2011 by Vesta Osler Mershon and Estelle Osler Hess in memory of their mother, Vesta Hoffman Osler ’30. The award is presented to the highest-ranking junior chemistry major.

The Raymond L. and Louise K. Gillard Prize, endowed by Gary Gillard, assistant professor emeritus of information technology, is in memory of his parents. The prize is awarded annually to a student(s) based on merit.

The Computer Science Undergraduate Achievement Award is given to a senior student who has demonstrated continued excellence in computer science studies.

The Computer Science Faculty Prize is awarded to a student selected by the department faculty to recognize excellence.

The Computer Science Chair's Fund Prize is awarded to a student in the introductory course sequence that shows great potential as a student in computer science.

The Larry T. Campbell Memorial Prize is awarded to an outstanding student in the economics and business administration department. This award honors the memory of Larry T. Campbell, who was treasurer and comptroller of Hood College. Mr. Campbell was associated with Hood from 1968 until his death in 1981.

The Department of Economics and Business Administration Book Prize is awarded by the department faculty to the top graduating senior in the study of management.

The Hood College Retailing Club Prize is awarded annually to a senior management major with a concentration in marketing who is actively involved with the College or with the community, and who has achieved an above-average cumulative grade point average. This award was established in 1982 by Retailing Club members through fundraising activities, and its purpose is to recognize academic excellence and leadership of students in marketing.

The Department of Economics and Business Administration Leadership Prize is awarded to a graduating senior in the department who shows great personal and interpersonal leadership skills and leverages these skills to serve others and build community.

The Joseph E. Dahms Community Service Award is given to a graduating senior who has leveraged his or her personal and interpersonal skills to make a difference in the community through innovative leadership and excellent service. It was established in honor of Professor Joseph E. Dahms, who retired from Hood after 34 years of exemplary service.

The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) Leadership Award was created by the ACBSP, which offers specialized accreditation to business programs. This award is given to a graduating business major who excels in both academics and community service. The name of the award recipient is added to the perpetual plaque on the wall of the business school as a visible reminder of the importance the department places on leadership in all areas of collegiate life.

The Accounting Leadership Prize was established in 2017 and is awarded to a graduating senior majoring in accounting who shows great personal and interpersonal leadership skills and leverages these skills to serve others and build community.

The Maureen Kelly Hess Prize is awarded annually to a student who is graduating with a Bachelor of Arts degree in special education or a Master of Science degree with a concentration in special education. The education department faculty selects the prize recipient. This prize was established by the Hess and Kelly families in memory of Maureen Kelly Hess, Class of 1981, after her death in April 1993.

The Park-Doff Award is presented to that student in the senior class who appears most promising as a teacher in the field of early childhood education. Classmates Sara Bell Parkhurst Van Why and Katherine Nixdorff Wilson, both Class of 1973 early childhood education majors, established this prize in 1974 to honor an outstanding student majoring in this field. No other prize existed at this time for ECE majors.

The Hypatia Mathematics/Science Education Prize is awarded to the education student who exemplifies excellence in the field of mathematics or science teaching. This prize, named for the female Greek mathematician who taught at the Library of Alexandria in the early fifth century, is awarded in honor of past Department of Education professors of mathematics and science pedagogy at Hood College.

The Charles E. Tressler Outstanding Student Award is given in recognition of outstanding achievement by a student who intends to enter a career in education. This award was established to honor the late Giles Professor Emeritus of Early Childhood Education Charles E. Tressler. Professor Tressler taught at Hood from 1964 to 1990 and served for many years as chair of the Department of Education. The award is a gift from the estate of Samuel Eig.

The Johanna Chait Essex ’53 Prize in Early Childhood Education was established by the family of Johanna Chait Essex ’53 in honor of her 80th birthday. Johanna devoted her professional life to educating nursery school children. The prize is awarded annually to a junior who shows the most promise as an early childhood education teacher as evidenced by performance throughout the internship at the Onica Prall Child Development Laboratory School.

The Blue and Grey Editorial Award is presented for the best editorial writing appearing in The Blue and Grey, formerly Hood Today, in the past academic year. The award has been given for several decades to students who serve on the editorial staff.

The Esther E. Shaw Award is given for the best news story appearing in The Blue and Grey in the past academic year.

The Margaret Condron Sterner Scholarship is awarded to a student who has completed three years at Hood and has made the most distinguished contribution in the field of creative writing or journalism. This scholarship was established through the bequest of Carlton R. Sterner in memory of his wife, Margaret Condron Sterner ’39.

The Aldan T. Weinberg Communication Arts Prize is awarded annually to one or more students, with first priority given to students who have demonstrated exceptional performance in broadcasting, particularly with regard to college broadcast organizations, or second, to students who have demonstrated excellence in communication arts at Hood. The prize is named for Aldan Weinberg, professor emeritus of journalism, who retired in 2015 after 30 years as a faculty member.

The Alyce Weinberg Honor Scholarship, named in honor of the late Alyce Weinberg, is awarded to a senior majoring in English or communication arts who has done meritorious work in English, particularly in communications. Mrs. Weinberg established this scholarship because she believed firmly in the value of education. She took numerous courses at Hood as an adult learner, but she did not enroll as a degree-seeking student. Mrs. Weinberg could be considered the ultimate continuing education student, a genuine lifelong learner. She loved Hood, its professors and courses, and enrolled semester after semester to learn as much as possible. Sometimes she even repeated courses she liked particularly well. Mrs. Weinberg is the author of the book “The Spirits of Frederick”. Her son, Al Weinberg, ’75, is an emeritus professor of journalism at Hood.

The Janice E. Cole Writing Prize, established in 1992 by Hood’s humanities faculty, is awarded to a student or students who submit in the annual prize competition the most outstanding essay originally written for a course in the humanities. The prize was introduced in 1992 as the Center for the Humanities Prize. It was renamed in spring 1997 in honor of the late Dr. Janice E. Cole, professor of English at Hood for 31 years from 1965 to 1996.

The Emily Myers Davis Prize is awarded to a student or students for excellence in English courses. This prize was established by T. Crawley Davis in memory of his wife, Emily Myers Davis, ’43.

The Martha Briney Honor Scholarship, established in honor of the late Professor Martha Briney, is awarded to upperclassmen who excel in English literature courses.

The Janice E. Cole Scholarship Fund, established in memory of Professor Janice E. Cole, is awarded to a student who has done excellent work in English. The late Professor Cole taught English at Hood from 1965 to 1996. Beloved by her students and highly respected by her colleagues, Professor Cole gave unstintingly of her time to countless faculty and College committees. Most of all, she was devoted to the students of Hood College, particularly her advisees and those enrolled in her classes.

The Margaret P. Ford Honor Scholarship,was established in honor of the late Professor Emerita Margaret P. Ford, who taught English at Hood from 1964 to 1987 and served as chair of the department for many years. She taught numerous courses in American literature and was a student of the life and writings of William Faulkner. This scholarship was established by Hood’s Board of Trustees to honor Professor Ford. The prize is awarded annually at the discretion of the English department faculty.

The German Embassy Prize of the Washington Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany is awarded in recognition of outstanding achievement in German language and literature.

The Edenia Guillermo Award is awarded to a senior Hispanic student who has achieved the highest academic record in four years of study. This prize was established in 1983 to honor Edenia Guillermo, professor emerita of Spanish, who taught at Hood from 1975 to 1983; she died in 2002.

The Jack and Janet Spaulding Nunn '61 French Prize is awarded to the most outstanding student studying abroad in France and to academically outstanding first-year students who intend to be French majors. Janet Nunn, a 1961 Hood alumna and long-time Francophile, funded this prize to support the study of French language and culture at Hood.

The Marion Macphail Prize is awarded to a senior major in Spanish who is not a native Spanish speaker and has not lived in a Spanish-speaking country for more than three months prior to entering Hood College. This award is given in recognition of proficiency in the Spanish language. Professor MacPhail, associate professor emerita of modern languages, taught French and Spanish at Hood from 1926 until 1966; she died in 1980.

The Charlotte A. Moran Prize is awarded to a student of the French language who shows outstanding achievement in intermediate French and who plans to pursue additional studies in French. This prize honors the memory of Charlotte A. Moran, associate professor emerita of French and 1957 Hood alumna. Professor Moran taught at Hood from 1966 to 1989; she died in 2000.

The Jack and Janet Spaulding Nunn '61 Award for Outstanding Elementary Arabic Student was established in 2008 and supported by Janet Spaulding Nunn ’61. The award is presented to a student who has excelled in elementary Arabic and who plans to pursue additional studies in Arabic.

The Jack and Janet Spaulding Nunn '61 Award for Outstanding Intermediate Arabic Student was established in 2009 and supported by Janet Spaulding Nunn ’61. The award is presented to a student who has excelled in intermediate Arabic.

The Florence A. Pastore Memorial Award was established in 1994 by Col. Joseph A. Pastore, retired from the U.S. Army, former vice president for administration and finance and treasurer of Hood College, to honor the memory of his wife, Florence. This prize is awarded to a student studying abroad in France, or to an outstanding junior or senior majoring in French. Florence Pastore enjoyed her many connections to France and to French culture. She died in 1989; Col. Pastore died in 1997.

The Dr. Robert Kauffman German Prize, established in 2011, is presented to a student who shows promise in the German language and who demonstrated a true passion for learning about German culture, history and politics.

The Dr. Leonard Latkovski Memorial Prize in History was established in 2009 by the Department of History and renamed in 2015 in memory of Dr. Leonard Latkovski, professor of history. The award is presented to a junior or senior for outstanding achievement in history.

The James B. Ranck Book Prize in American History is an annual gift honoring the late Professor Emeritus James B. Ranck. It provides prizes of significant books on American history or political life to a student who is outstanding in this field. Professor Ranck taught history and political science at Hood from 1929 to 1967; he died in 1988.

The Hildegarde Pilgram '31 Prize was established in 2010 by Emilie Amt, Hildegarde Pilgram Professor of History, in honor of Hildegarde Pilgram ’31, who endowed the Hildegarde Pilgram Chair in History. The prize is awarded to a student(s) who has shown excellence in medieval history or medieval studies. Ms. Pilgram served on the Hood College Board of Trustees for 14 years; she died in 1995.

The Elizabeth Yourtee Anderson '82 History Prize was established in 2011 by the Anderson family in memory of Elizabeth Yourtee Anderson ’82. The prize is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding achievement, integrity and passion for Maryland history, public history and/or historic preservation.

The Law and Criminal Justice Prize was established in 2011 by the Department of Political Science as the Law and Society Prize. The name was changed in 2016 to the Law and Criminal Justice Prize. This prize is for outstanding achievement and commitment to legal issues and notions of justice in contemporary society.

The Josephine Panarella Law and Criminal Justice was established in 2017 by Roxane Rock Panarella ’92 in memory of her mother, Josephine. The award is given annually to a senior majoring in law and criminal justice who demonstrates academic excellence.

The Leah B. Allen Award in Astronomy, established in 1944 by Martha Stahr Carpenter ’41, is presented to a student whose work in astronomy or mathematics merits special recognition. The award is named in honor of Leah B. Allen, professor of astronomy, who taught at Hood from 1927 to 1955; she died in 1979. Dr. Carpenter credited Professor Allen with being her mentor and encouraging her to pursue a career in this field at a time when few women studied astronomy.

The Grace N. Brown Prize in Mathematics, named in honor of the late Grace N. Brown ’25, registrar emerita, is awarded to a student who has consistently shown initiative, insight and achievement in the introductory calculus course. Miss Brown graduated from Hood in 1925, majoring in chemistry with a minor in mathematics. She served as Hood’s registrar from 1930 to 1967.

The Julia Holzapfel Carhart Prizes in mathematics were established in 1994 in honor of Julia Holzapfel Carhart ’30, who earned a Bachelor of Arts in Mathematics. Prizes are awarded to juniors majoring in or displaying a strong interest in mathematics. The students selected by the mathematics department this year have demonstrated the highest academic distinction and promise, and also serve as role models, encouraging women to major in mathematics.

The C. May Hudson Prize is awarded to a senior mathematics major who has shown outstanding achievement in mathematics.

The Pi Mu Epsilon Book Prize is given to a member of Pi Mu Epsilon, the national honorary mathematics society. It is funded by a Chapter Grant from national Pi Mu Epsilon.

The Association for Women in Mathematics Book Prize is given to a member of Hood’s chapter of the Association for Women in Mathematics for enthusiastic participation in and outstanding support of AWM.

The Patricia Bucheimer Piano Prize is awarded annually to a Hood student who has excelled in her or his study of piano at Hood. The award is made in honor of Patricia Bucheimer, who taught piano at Hood from 1972 until her death in 1998.

The Marie A. Markow Excellence in Music Prize was endowed by the late Dr. Noel Lester, professor emeritus of music, and Mrs. RoseAnn Markow Lester, instructor in violin and viola and director of the music preparatory program, in honor of RoseAnn’s mother, a woman uncommonly dedicated to the importance of music in a quality education. This prize is awarded annually to a Hood student who has excelled both academically and musically.

The Ardine and Phyllis Gorden Music Scholar Prize was established in 2011 by Ardine O. Gorden. The prize is awarded annually to the declared music major with the highest GPA.

The William Sprigg Prize was established in 2013 and is awarded to a student who shows outstanding achievement in organ and/or piano performance.

The Ardine and Phyllis Gorden Music Talent Prize was established in 2011 by Ardine O. Gorden. The prize is awarded to the two music majors who demonstrate the most potential for careers in music.

The Hood Choir Award is presented to the member of the Hood College Choir who has proven to be a strong, effective, hardworking and dedicated leader.

The Kathryn Zimmerman Nicodemus H'05 Musica Award was established in 2015 by Charles A. Nicodemus,H’05, an emeritus member of the Hood College Board of Trustees, and Kathryn Zimmerman Nicodemus, H’05. The award is presented annually to a Hood student who has excelled in the study of organ or piano.

The Linda Mae Snapp Memorial Award in Nursing was established in 2013 by Carol Snapp, Hodson Professor of Nursing, in memory of a family member. The prize is awarded annually to a student(s) in the nursing program based on leadership and service.

The Logic Prize is awarded for outstanding performance in logic.

The Hood College Prize in Ethics was established in 2014 by Krista Schaffert ’04. The prize is awarded annually in recognition of the best paper on ethics submitted by a current student as part of an undergraduate course at Hood College in the last calendar year. The winning paper shall be selected by the faculty of the Department of Philosophy and Religious Studies and should critically evaluate, challenge or defend an established concept of moral conduct and/or the application of a moral standard in a particular scenario

The Helen McCullagh McCutcheon Award, established in honor of the late Helen McCullagh McCutcheon, Class of 1914, recognizes an outstanding student for interest and academic achievement in exercise, wellness or sports studies beyond the core requirement.

The Virginia E. Lewis Best Paper Award, established in 2010 by the Department of Political Science, is given to any student for the best paper in any political science course. The prize is named in honor of the late Virginia E. Lewis, emerita professor of political science, who taught at Hood College from 1947 until 1981. Professor Lewis died in 1985.

The Virginia E. Lewis for Outstanding Achievement in Political Science, established in 2010 by the Department of Political Science, is awarded to a student majoring in political science. The prize is named in honor of the late Virginia E. Lewis, emerita professor of political science, who taught at Hood College from 1947 until 1981. Professor Lewis died in 1985.

The Award in Nonprofit and Civic Engagement Studies is given to an outstanding student who has minored in nonprofit and civic engagement studies. This award acknowledges the outstanding contributions of students to the study of nonprofit organizations and their commitment to civic engagement and active citizenship

The Linda Wyatt ’68 and Marleen Spriggs ’69 Award in African American Studies is given to an outstanding student who has minored in African American studies. This book award honors the lives and memory of the first two African American students to graduate from Hood College.

The Wayne C. Neely Prize is named for the late Professor Wayne C. Neely, Andrew G. Truxal Professor of Economics and Sociology, and is offered annually for achievement and promise in the field of sociology. Professor Neely taught and served as department chair from 1933 to 1972; he died in 1994.

The Alumni Award for Social Work Excellence, established in 2015 by Linda Hecklinger Procter ’81, P’08 and Lauren Procter ’08, is given annually to the senior social work major who demonstrates excellence in the social work program.

The Shirley Conner Hardinge ’44 Prize was established in 2012. The Shirley Conner Hardinge Center for Global Studies was established in 2011. The prize is awarded to a student who has made outstanding contributions to global studies.

The ArachnidWorks Integrated Marketing Communication Award was established in 2017 by Monica Hensley Kolbay ’98, MBA ’05, president and CEO of marketing and advertising agency ArachnidWorks. The award is given annually to a senior majoring in integrated marketing communication who demonstrates academic excellence. The integrated marketing communication program is jointly hosted by the Department of English and Communication Arts and the Department of Economics and Business Administration.

The Margaret Louise Kleist Prize, established by Mrs. C. Walter Kleist and the late Mr. Kleist, is awarded to an outstanding member of the freshman class selected from nominations by the Freshman-Sophomore Advising Group.

The Catherine Filene Shouse Center for Career Development and Experiential Education Distinguished Intern Award, established in 2014, is presented to a student who successfully completes an internship either for academic credit or experience. This student receives exceptional evaluations from intern supervisors, and the student shows outstanding career attitude and professionalism.

The Bromer Peace Award was established in 2012 by Sara Peterson Anderson, Ray Anderson and Flora Peterson Smith in memory of Dr. Edward S. Bromer, former chair of the Board of Trustees; Frances Bromer Peterson ’25; Edna Bromer Morehead, Class of 1911; Dorothy Bromer Reinhart ’29; and Anna M. Peterson ’27. The prize is awarded annually to a student(s) who, through coursework, individual initiative or participation in a relevant student organization, does significant work developing and implementing tools for non-violent conflict resolution, reconciliation and a solutions-based approach to peace maintenance. This work can be done on the Hood campus or in a neighboring school or community group, or through presenting academic research on peace.

The Class of 1988 Volunteer Behind the Scenes Award, established by a gift from the Class of 1988, is presented to active and worthy members of the junior or senior class.

The Mary Margaret Rose Award is presented to a student who has shown himself or herself to be an exemplary ambassador of Hood. This award was established in honor of Mrs. Margaret Rose, who served as the College receptionist for many years. From her desk in Alumnae Hall lobby, Mrs. Rose, aka “Mrs. Hood,” touched the lives of faculty, students, staff, alumnae, townspeople and a myriad of visitors to the campus with her gracious, caring manner. Four of her children are Hood alumni.

The Dr. H. P. and Laughlin Award, established in 1991 by Dr. Henry P. Laughlin H’03, emeritus member of the Hood College Board of Associates, and M. Page Laughlin, H’03, is presented to students who have made outstanding contributions to the College. Preference is given to a senior, although members of other classes in exceptional circumstances may receive special consideration.

The Dr. Christine McHenry Corde, Mente Et Manu Award is established in honor of Dr. Christine McHenry,’73, and honors a student who embodies the spirit of Hood’s motto, uniting “heart, mind and hand.” The recipient of the McHenry Corde, Mente et Manu Award has demonstrated understanding of a local or global need, a heart for service, and a willingness to volunteer in efforts that further the cause of justice and peace.

The Bernard Gerrard Prize for "Mature" Students was established in 2013 by Bernard C. Gerrard ’91, M.S. ’00. The prize is awarded annually to a student who is beginning or returning to college having completed high school two or more decades prior to enrollment.

The White Blazer Award, established by the athletics department, honors male and female student-athletes from the senior class in recognition of outstanding academic accomplishments, significant contributions to the community and excellence in intercollegiate athletics. This award is grounded in a rich Hood tradition when a single member of each graduating class from 1921 to 1969 was honored as a White Blazer Girl for outstanding achievements in academics and athletics.

The Dr. Henry P. and Page Laughlin Faculty Professional Achievement Award, established in 1991 by Dr. Henry P. Laughlin, H’03, emeritus member of the Hood College Board of Associates, and M. Page Laughlin, H’03, is conferred annually upon an outstanding faculty member who has made significant contributions to her or his profession or to the College through scholarship or exceptional service.

The Dr. Henry P. and Page Laughlin Administrative Achievement Award, established in 1991 by Dr. Henry P. Laughlin, H’03, emeritus member of the Hood College Board of Associates, and M. Page Laughlin, H’03, is conferred for noteworthy service to staff members who have made significant contributions to the College.

The Martha E. Charge H'95 Prize for Leadership and Service was established in 1997 by F&M Bank (now PNC Bank) of Frederick, in honor of Martha E. Church, H’95, president of Hood College from 1975 to 1995. The prize is presented to a Hood College staff or faculty member who has conceived of and developed new ideas for launching or advancing partnerships between Hood and the Frederick community.

The Mary Ann Kerins Humanitarian Award is presented to a faculty or staff member who best personifies the characteristics and contributions of Mary Ann Kerins, director and staff counselor of the Hood College Counseling Center until her death in December 2008. Ms. Kerins was known for her passion and commitment to helping students and others on their path to wellness. Her quiet and gentle leadership, coupled with her advocacy for human rights, equality and democracy for all individuals, has left a positive impact on the Hood College community. Compassion, empathy, fairness, honesty and respect for oneself and others are among the many positive qualities that she possessed.

The Rose Award is presented to a non-teaching member of the Hood community who provides exceptional service. Hood’s Mortar Board Society selects the recipient.

The Excellence in Teaching Award is presented to a faculty member who excels in conveying knowledge, challenging students and inspiring them to greater heights. Hood’s Mortar Board Society selects the recipient.

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Through an integration of the liberal arts and the professions, Hood College provides an education that empowers students to use their hearts, minds and hands to meet personal, professional and global challenges and to lead purposeful lives of responsibility, leadership, service and civic engagement.